Letters: gang violence, TriMet No. 15 bus, Jefferson High School

Gang violenceUpon moving to Oregon, people suggested I keep the fact I was from Los Angeles a secret. The editorial regarding gang violence compelled me to reveal myself ("Galvanizing Portlanders against gang violence," Aug. 24).

I was involved in gang intervention. I saw the violence reach epidemic proportions. I attended weekly City Council meetings, worked with the Los Angeles Police Department and the city-sponsored intervention team. It was frustrating, but necessary. Doing nothing is not an option.

The editorial singled out the Hoover Criminals and the Rollin 60s Crips; both began in L.A. It would behoove the mayor and the task force to take advantage of what has gone on in L.A. The Advancement Project's city-sponsored Gang Activity Reduction Strategy is available from its website for free. Los Angeles has begun an intervention training academy.

Among other proactive steps, Mayor Sam Adams should talk with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The best way to reduce gang violence is not by reinventing the wheel.

BARRY SHAPIRO Silverton

Far-off fan of the No. 15Regarding the No. 15 bus on Northwest Thurman Street: I guess I have no say in this since I'm not a Portland taxpayer. I'm not even a U.S. citizen, but I used to be a resident. I moved to Portland from Montana in the mid-1970s and was so impressed by the bus service. Almost like home!

I left Portland for my native Norway in 1978, but have since kept in touch with a friend on Northwest 33rd. When I have visited her, it has been so wonderful to have the bus available. People in Norway barely believe it when I say I can visit a city in the U.S. and get around town without a car.

I regularly scan The Oregonian on the Internet and was shocked to see an article about bus service on Thurman being stopped because of some "illegal turn" ("Kissing off a great urban neighborhood," Aug. 22). I immediately e-mailed my friend and got lots of information.

My friend -- Portland born and bred -- had a wonderful mother. She lived on Thurman and used to take the bus and leave fancy magazines on the seats for the less privileged passengers to read. Whenever I've visited Portland and taken the No. 15 bus, I've always had stories to tell my friend in the evening -- lots of unusual people, but never any trouble; bus drivers always very friendly; just so "Portland."

So how come this illegal turn has become a problem after all these years? Surely you can solve this. Come on -- don't make me disappointed in Portland, the city I always want more Europeans to hear about.

HULDA KROSBY Sandvika, Norway

Jefferson principal It is sad to see that Jefferson High School is again getting undercut and going under-supported by Portland Public Schools. A new principal who will also retain her district job at the same time she serves as the all-important principal at Jefferson? The principal drives everything at a school, and I don't see how piling on a district employee could possibly help the school turn around ("District official to add Jefferson duties," Aug. 15).

We need Jefferson to succeed, to offer something compelling to its local young people, to help them to learn success in school, rather than shots on the streets. A half-time principal hardly seems like the right way to start.

Please put the right people, starting with a champion with the vision for success, and process in place to help Jefferson live up to its good name and former reputation. Otherwise, you're just setting it up for another failure so you can justify closing it next time.